HELLENIC FEDERATION HOST MATCH OFFICIALS TRAINING EVENT

http://www.rlef.eu.com/news/article/959/hellenic-federation-host-match-officials20th November 2014The Hellenic Federation of Rugby League has hosted a four-day match officials tutor-training event in Athens as part of the EU-supported Leadership Devolution Project. The course was attended by match officials from Greece, Hungary and Italy. RLEF Match Official Development squad members Thierry Alibert and Rale Novakovic oversaw the activity with Rugby League Ireland’s Jason Craughwell, himself a graduate of a previous RLEF training project, gaining further on-the-job experience as an assessor of match official tutors. Greek trio Aris Dardamanis, George Stilianos and Dimitrios Minadakis, who all attended the first round of training in Piacenza in June, delivered a Level 1 course to 14 new Greek match officials, while Hungarian duo Zsolt Lukacs and Balint Mezes and Italy’s Ciprian Gajulete and Guido Bonatti also received more practical training in delivery of the course. “Having already received training in Italy, I felt really well prepared,” said Stilianos. “But this time to have a referee of Thierry Alibert's calibre on board to help us was a huge bonus. We learned a lot and were able to build on our existing knowledge of the game. We had a great turnout on the day too - I am looking forward to having capable and qualified touch judges by my side now every time I referee. It will be a great help to me and the other referees and, in turn, to the quality of our league.”Following the Level 1 course, the tutor-trainees were all deployed to officiate or assess officials in a friendly fixture between Pegasus and AEK, with Greek, Hungarian and Italian officials all taking turns in the middle, while Alibert finished off the match.“This weekend has opened my eyes to the wonderful work that is being done around Europe to promote rugby league, and that we are at the beginning of something special,” said Ireland’s Craughwell. “I am excited to be involved at a time when the international game and the development of match officials has reached a level where meaningful competitions are available to players, referees and touch judges."Pictured: Thierry Alibert puts the tutor-trainees through their paces.

http://www.rlef.eu.com/news/article/902/greece-gears-up-for-czech

GREECE GEARS UP FOR CZECH CLASH

29th September 2014Table-topping Greece have named a powerful 30-man squad for the third and final European Championship C match, in Athens, on 11 October. Coach Matt Ashill, a Welshman by birth but long-time resident of Athens, is keen to see the local players mix further with some of the elite overseas-based ones such as Michael Korkidas and Gateshead Thunder half-back Jordan Meads. “The local players have performed very well in the domestic championship and, as they get more experience, they are going to be very helpful for the national team” he said. For most it is going to be a reward for their efforts in a short time as they only started playing 10 months ago”.Hellenic RL president, Tasos Pantazidis added: “The match will take place in Aspropyrgos, the home of a new rugby league club and that will be a strong motivation for the new players and the local community who will be present in the match”. The Czechs, who lost at home to Malta in their first match, will be battling to avoid relegation which would end a four-year spell in the competition, previously known as the Euro Bowl. GREECE 30-MAN SQUADGrigorios Koutsimpogiorgos, Neofytos Christou, Panagiotis Karefilis, Giorgin Syti, Vasilios Venduras (AEK Kokkinias), Konstantinos-Aris Dardamanis, Nikolaos Kanellopoulos, Manolis Katalaktakis, Thomas Lymberios, Ioannis Roussoglou, Ioannis Valassas (Aris Petroupolis), George Tsikrikas (Canterbury), Michael Korkidas (Dapto), Jordan Meads (Gateshead Thunder), Vasili Tsikrikas (Kingsgrove Colts), Pantelis Arfaras, Stefanos Bastas, Nikolaos Bosmos, Konstantinos Kotiadis, Panagiotis Lambousis, Alvaro Zota (Knights of Rhodes), Sebastian Sell (Mittagong), Konstantinos Lambrakis (Neapoli Lakonias), Ioannis Nake (Pegasus Neos Kosmos), Liam Sue-Tine (Pine Rivers), Nathan Hughes (Redfern All Blacks), Clinton Hughes (Sandgate Brighton),Terence Constantinou (Sunbury United), Jake Vrahnos (Sydney University), Jordan Kidis (UTS Tigers)

http://www.rlef.eu.com/news/article/903/greek-championship-kicks-off

GREEK CHAMPIONSHIP KICKS OFF

30th September 2014The Hellenic Federation of Rugby League’s second domestic season kicked off at the weekend, with the five first division teams in action and a second division taking place beneath the premier competition. In the opening round AEK Kokkinias, led by national team coach Matthew Ashill, defeated last season’s runners up Aris Petroupolis 44-26, while defending champions Rhodes Knights crushed Athenians PegasusNeos Kosmos 46-0 despite heavy rain in the Dodecanese and Pyrrihios Aspropyrgou had the bye.Ashill commented of his charges: “It was probably the best domestic game we've seen so far in Greece between two great teams, played in front of 200 spectators, most of them watching a rugby league match for the first time. The level has risen sharply and everyone involved in the Greek Rugby League deserves congratulations”.The Greeks will use the early games in the championship to select the national squad which will play the Czech Republic in Athens on 11 October in the final match of European Championship C.

http://www.rlef.eu.com/news/article/872/rlif-announces-latest-world-rankingsRLIF ANNOUNCES LATEST WORLD RANKINGS1st August 2014Following a summer of Test match rugby league across the continents, the new world rankings have been announced by the International Federation, the first since the 2013 World Cup.The total number of ranked-nations, based on sanctioned international competition, has risen to 34, the latest included being Spain in 28th place. Russia are up to 14th, the number of nations that will contest the 2017 World Cup, while the biggest movers are Greece who rise to 26th spot.“The national team, is a decisive tool for the rise of the sport in Greece,” said Tasos Pantazidis, President of the Hellenic Federation of Rugby League. “International matches and our world ranking are very important in attracting new people and are a strong motivation for our players and staff. We will continue with small but stable steps forward that will help to spread and grow the sport.”Samoa move above Papua New Guinea thanks to their win over Fiji and Belgium – who have been among the most active countries – are also on the rise, while Australia remain top.Recently appointed chairman of the RLIF, Nigel Wood, commented: “An increasing number of matches are being sanctioned in line with new protocols introduced last year. That is an encouraging sign of the importance our members place on international rugby league and is part of the legacy of the most successful World Cup ever staged last autumn.”Wood added: “As we begin the build up to the next one, I would like to congratulate those nations who have moved up in the rankings and, in particular, Spain and Denmark both of whom registered their first official Test victories this summer.”For the full rankings go to http://rlif.com/rankings. Pictured: All smiles in Greece.

Full Match Report

http://www.rlef.eu.com/european_bowl/report?RLE00000557

The President of Malta, H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, watched as her national side were defeated by Greece, 32-18, in the opening fixture of European Championship C at the FC Melita Stadium near Pembroke. She was accompanied by Greek ambassador to Malta, Alexandros Rallis who saw hooker Liam Sue-Tin turn in a man of the match performance for the visitors.

He was instrumental in the opening score, latching on to a Michael Korkidas break and sending Nikolaos Kanellopoulos over, Sue-Tin goaling. Former Wakefield star Korkidas was the provider of the Greek second try for Terry Constantinou in the 12th minute, Sue-Tin again on target and Greece’s early dominance was confirmed when scrum half Michail Giorgas–Spanos scampered in, Sue-Tin’s goal giving them an 18-point cushion. Malta hit back on the half hour as their half backs gained more control, winger Ed Willis crossing and Sam Keep converting.

The hosts began the second period in much better form, their best, centre Malcolm Attard with the first of his two tries, Keep’s goal reducing the gap to six points. Malta were dealt a blow in the 50th minute when second rower Dragan Cerketa left the field with a knee injury and play was halted soon after when Giorgas-Spanos suffered concussion after a heavy collision.

The break for treatment seemed to suit the hosts as they drew level just after the hour through Attard and Keep’s third goal, delighting the around 300 fans. Pine Rivers rake Sue-Tin then took charge, his great break and pass sending in stand off Niokolaos Bosmos, Sue-Tin adding the goal and a penalty four minutes from time to establish a vital two score lead. Malta pressed in the closing stages but Korkidas completed the scoring with a long range touchdown, Sue-Tin keeping up his perfect kicking record.

Greeks out-muscle Maltese in Championship C opener

A sun-bathed Melita FC with a First World War military hospital at one end and the Mediterranean Sea at the other was the scene as Malta opened the RLEF European Championship C competition against Greece on Saturday night.HE Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta, met both teams before the match together with the mayor of Pembroke, Mr Dean Hili, and Melita FC President, Mr Paul Zammit. Greek ambassador to Malta, Mr Alexandros Rallis, also attended the match to support the Greek team.The Greeks, helped by a host of Australia based players, took the lead early on through Nikolaos Kanellopolous thanks to an inside ball from Liam Sue-Tin after a Michael Korkidas break and off-load.Alarm bells went ringing when it was a point per minute as Constantinou crossed in the 12th minute and Malta coach Anthony Micallef was forced to make early changes.Giorgas – Spanos made it 18-0 and Greece was dominating the early parts of the match on the back of a highly physical opening 20 minutes.With the island’s rugby league team renowned for coming from behind, the 300 pro-Maltese crowd came to life on the half-hour when Ed Willis completed a nice set of hands to cross in the left corner with Sam Keep converting from the sideline. They went into the half-time break with Greece up 18-6.The Maltese continued the fightback and it was a Stompers outside back again crossing for the points as Malcolm Attard sliced the Greek’s right edge defence twice to tie the match at 18-all.Central Queensland Capras prop Matthew Mizzi set the bar high from the opening minutes with a 80-minute workhorse performance for the Maltese. For the Greeks it was Pine Rivers hooker Liam Sue-Tin who was potent every time he touched the ball.Second rower Dragan Cerketa left the field in the 57th minute and soon after, the match was held up for 10 minutes after Greece’s Michail Girogas-Spanos sustained a heavy concussion and was taken to hospital for precautionary measures.But it was Greek hooker Liam Sue-Tin, an enigma to the Maltese team for the entire match, who would send a pass to Niokolaos Bosmos to break the dead-lock with 15 minutes on the clock.Less than five minutes from time, Sue-Tin converted a penalty from right in front to give Greece an eight-point lead and it was Michael Korkidas who shattered the Maltese dreams when he took advantage of a handling error in the final 90 seconds and ran half the field to kill off any chance of a come-from-behind Malta victory.Malta's left edge of Attard and Willis were strong for the Maltese, together with strong showings from domestic championship players Dela, Attard, Cerketa and debutant Spiteri.A player with over a decade of experience across the NRL and Super League, prop and Greek captain Michael Korkidas said after the game “I won’t forget this win, it was one of the toughest games out there”.RLEF European Championship C – Game 1Greece 32 (N.Kanellopoulos, T.Constantinou, M.Giorgas-Spanos, N.Bosmos, M.Korkidas tries; L.Sue-Tin 6 from 6 goals) defeatedMalta 18 (M.Attard 2, E.Willis 1, S.Keep 3 from 3 goals)H-T: Greece 18-6At Melita FC, Pembroke.Ref: R.Mirovic (Serbia)Best and Fairest: L.Sui-Tin (Greece) and Matthew Mizzi (Malta)MaltaAndrew Muscat, Ed Willis, Malcolm Attard, Darren Edmunds, Jean-Pierre Zarb, Sam Keep, Danny Burke, Matthew Mizzi, Justin Barlogio, Jeremy Dela, Dragan Cerketa, Joe Paolella, Christopher Parker (c), Peter Ingham, Graham Attard, Matthew Spiteri, Dylan FrendoGreeceAdam Bouris, Giorgin Shyti, Ioannis Valassas, Nikolaos Kanellopoulos, Ioannis Nake, Nikolaos Bosmos, Michail Giorgas – Spanos, Stefanos Bastas, Liam Sue-Tin, Michael Korkidas, Terry Constantinou, Konstantinos Kotiadis, Mihail Chatziioannou, Emmanouil Katalaktakis, Ioannis Roussoglou, Pandeleimon Arfaras, Panagiotis Karefilis

The Malta Rugby League (MRL) launched the RLEF European Championship C competition with a press conference at Hugo’s Pub in Paceville today.Malta coach Anthony Micallef was joined by players Matthew Mizzi from Australian team CQ Capras and local player Joe Paolella, and Gertrude Abela, president of Europa Donna Malta.Malta and Greece finalized their 20-man-squads on Wednesday with the Greek team unveiling former NRL and Super League star Michael Korkidas in their team for Saturday’s clash at the Melita ground, Pembroke.Micallef named 15 MRL Championship players in the squad, an indication of how much local talent will be tested in an international that could boost Malta’s international ranking of 22 in the world.The Greek team will arrive in Malta on Friday and it includes four Australia based players to tackle the Maltese whilst Malta officials are anticipating their largest home crowd this Saturday and the two teams will be met before the match by H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta.The President will be introduced to players and officials before Serbian match official Radoslav Novakovic controls the opening match of the European Championship C competition that also features the Czech Republic where Malta will play on July 12.THE MALTA TEAMMalta prop Matthew Mizzi said he expects a physical match from the Greeks.Mizzi said “I’m expecting a physical game. Greece are being led around by an experienced captain. And being a front rower, I’m assuming he is going to demand a lot of toughness and physicality from his side. If the game is a little slower, it will definitely make up for it with the one on one contact and niggle around the ruck”Mizzi plays one level below Australia’s NRL, in the Queensland Cup for the CQ Capras and first represented Malta in 2010. The Capras are a feeder club to the Brisbane Broncos that play in the NRL.Malta coach Micallef said the Greeks won’t be taken lightly with the Maltese having faced stern on-field tests in the lead-up against touring English opposition.“They’re coming off a successful local championship and they’ve named some very strong players in their squad yesterday”“My squad has had three difficult hit-outs against English opposition in the last four weeks. The last 48 hours will be very important as the entire team comes together for the first time with our overseas based players that are flying in today”“I’m going to ask the Maltese public to come and support this team like it should be supported. You’ve got a very good team, playing an exciting brand of rugby, against our Mediterranean brothers if you will. It’s going to be great”20-year-old Joe Paolella from Għargħur said the excitement was building in the final days.The young Malta prop said “It's a great honour to have the opportunity to represent my country for a third time. The hype has been building for the last month, and we're all very excited for the game on Saturday”BREAST CANCER AWARENESSThe Malta Rugby League (MRL) is using the match to support Breast Cancer Awareness with 20% of gate takings from the match going to Europa Donna Malta.Europa Donna Malta president Gertrude Abela commented, “The Malta Rugby League is once again supporting Europa Donna Malta (Breast Care Support Group). This is greatly appreciated by the support group, whose members will be at the match to cheer the MRL on”Europa Donna Malta is a non-profit organisation, affiliated with Europa Donna, the European Breast Cancer Coalition. Besides supporting women affected by breast cancer and their families, one of the group’s main objectives is to raise awareness about breast cancer. A healthy lifestyle, achieved through maintaining a healthy weight and practising sport, can help prevent breast cancer.Malta takes on Greece at 7pm, gates open at 5.30pm, this Saturday 28th June. Malta faces the Czech Republic away in Havlichkuv Brod on July 12.Malta squad:Graham Attard (Team Pit RL)Malcolm Attard (Stompers RL)Justin Barlogio (DC Slayers)Christian Briffa (Malta Origin RL)Danny Burke (London Skolars)Julian Caruana (Stompers RL)Dragan Cerketa (Stompers RL)Peter Debono (Malta Origin RL)Jeremy Dela (Malta Origin RL)Darren Edmunds (Team Pit RL)Dylan Frendo (Eagles RL)Peter Ingham (Malta Origin RL)Sam Keep (Malta Origin RL)Matthew Mizzi (CQ Capras)Andrew Muscat (Eccles Roosters)Christopher Parker (Gateshead Storm) (c)Joe Paolella (Malta Origin RL)Matthew Spiteri (Stompers RL)Dillon Urry (Malta Origin RL)Jean-Pierre Zarb (Eagles RL)

MEDITERRANEAN NATIONS CLASH AT THE START OF EURO C

26th June 2014The opening match in European Championship C will see Malta take on Greece in Melita on Saturday afternoon, the visitors on debut in official competition. H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, the President of Malta, will be presented to the teams and match official Serbian referee Radoslav Novakovic for an encounter that is expected to draw the biggest crowd for a rugby league game on the island.

Malta launched the game with a press conference at Hugo’s Pub in Paceville and although they will be without Jarrod Sammut, Matthew Mizzi from Australian side Central Queensland Capras has flown in to bolster the local talent. The visitors, who arrive tomorrow (Friday) have included former Wakefield prop Michael Korkidas, who is currently playing for Dapto Canaries, in their squad for the game near Pembroke.

Malta coach Anthony Micallef is expecting a tough challenge. “We've had a different preparation this summer but it's one we believe will bring the best results,” he said. “We have a changing team since our last experience in European competition some years ago but more domestic players challenging is very healthy for the squad. It promises to be an exciting match up.”

Joe Paolella, who plays for reigning Maltese champions, Malta Origin RL can’t wait for the experience. “It's a great honour to have the opportunity to represent my country for a third time,” noted the 20-year-old. “The hype has been building for the last month and we're all very excited for the game.”

Tasos Pantazidis, president of the Hellenic Federation of Rugby League added: “We are all very excited about our first match in the European Championship. We know that Malta has a much more experienced team, but we will try our best.”

Korkidas primed for Greeks visit to Malta

Former Super League prop Michael Korkidas says he and his Greek team are ready for a physical encounter against the Maltese when they meet this Saturday evening at the Melita FC ground.The ex-Wakefield Wildcats star played over a decade in the top flight across the NRL and Super League and complimented the Malta team as a quality team with very skilful players.“It’s a big honour. Malta have shown in the past that they are a quality team with very skillful players. No doubt it's going to be a tough and physical game” said Korkidas.It is not the first time Korkidas has captained the Greek national team, Greece’s last international was a splendid 90-0 win over Hungary with a host of elite players lining up for the Greeks in Budapest including NRL star Braith Anasta.“For me it's always a huge honour to not only play for Greece, but to captain them is a massive privilege"22-year-old Nikos Kanellopoulos, a centre from the Aris Petroupolis club, will debut for the Greeks on Saturday and said this match is the greatest honour.“Representing your country has to be the greatest possible honour. Wearing your country’s colours and hearing the national anthem are things you don’t get to do every day. I am really counting down the days until we get to Malta”“It’s something I worked really hard to achieve and I am determined to make the most of this opportunity”Malta takes on Greece at 7pm at Melita FC, Pembroke this Saturday 28 June

NEAPOLI LAKONIA WIN GREEK SECOND DIVISION TITLE

20th June 2014Neapoli Lakonia became the first Division B champions in Greece after beating Pegasus Neos Kosmos ‘B’, 28-24 on their home field in Vatika, Lakonia.

The match, played close to the ancient city of Sparta in southern Greece, drew over 600 fans, the vast majority of whom were watching rugby league for the first time in what the Hellenic Federation of Rugby League consider a public relations coup.

Afterwards, children were playing rugby league in the playgrounds and schoolyards of the town.

The home side turned in their best performance of the season, which began last November, overcoming an early Pegasus try to lead 18-12 at halftime.

Konstantinos Lambrakis, captain and founder of Neapoli, was overjoyed at the welcome given to the sport by the locals. “Although the players have little experience, we performed really well,” he said. “I strongly believe that this will be the start of a big future for our team.”

This year, the first of the Greek championship, six matches were staged in Division B on an invitational format.

Following its success, the federation has decided that next year an official B Division Championship will take place, with home and away games, involving four clubs.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP C FIXTURES RELEASED

24th March 2014The Rugby League European Federation has released the 2014 European Championship C fixtures with the Czech Republic, Greece and Malta all set to play one another for the first time. The competition is the successor to the European Bowl and is linked to Euro B with Ukraine, the 2013 Bowl winners, gaining promotion last year.

Malta, ranked 14th in Europe will start as favourites, with players of the calibre of Wakefield’s Super League star Jarrod Sammut to call on. Their captain Chris Parker said, “It's going to be great to lead out Malta for the fourth season. We can't wait to play some new opposition in Greece and the Czech Republic. Both the domestic-based players and those playing overseas are looking forward to linking up again in preparation."

2011 and 2012 Bowl winners, the Czech Republic, will enter with a new national team head coach, Vrchlabi’s David Lahr taking over from Andy Mulhall. The Czech board’s focus is to improve the standard of the domestic competition and, as a consequence, the national team. “In the past the national team had been selected with short preparation,” explained Lahr. “Nowadays we want to focus on long-term development of the national team squad. A number of training days have been built into our season fixtures. We are investing time and effort into talented youth.”

Newcomers Greece played a first official Test in Budapest last year and have come a long way in a short space of time with the inaugural five-team Greek Rugby League Championship scheduled to end in May, a month before the national team travels across the Mediterranean to kick off the tournament in Malta.

“All those involved with the Hellenic Federation of Rugby League are very excited that we are entering the official international scene,” said federation president Tasos Pantazidis. “The European Championship C will be both a challenge and motivation to our athletes, coaches and staff to become better. Improvement is our aim and the competition will offer us that potential.”

RHODES KNIGHTS INTO GREECE RUGBY LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

24th March 2014With their fifth straight victory, Rhodes Knights has booked a place in the inaugural Greek Rugby League Championship final in May. The Knights now stand on 15 points, three ahead of second placed Aris Petroupolis in the five-team league. AEK Kokkinias are in third spot with six points followed by Pegasus Neos Kosmos and Promitheas Rendi.

“Before the start of the season we prepared the team using a good base of experienced players with the addition of new ones of some potential who seemed to want to get to know the sport,” explained Knights coach Mihalis Chatziioannou. “The team became even stronger and more solid as the season went on. I’m very proud of my players, the way they played in every match and of course for securing our place in the championship final,” he added.

“We earned something more than victories through these games; my players got experience, especially the young ones, like Panagiotis Lambousis, Stefanos Bastas, Alvaro Zota and Nikos Bosmos. These players reacted in a mature way and they are also possible for the national team. Our next target is forming a full club, having women and kids teams.”

Chatziioannou’s is the only side with a positive for-and-against point’s difference having amassed a staggering 334 and conceded only 48. The island team is now preparing to finish off the season with three home games against Pegasus, AEK and Prometheus - making a perfect season a plausible target.

Fourteen regular season matches have been played so far, with six remaining. Hopeful finalists AEK and Aris have played each other twice with both clinching a narrow home win, Aris by 32-24 and AEK victorious 24-20.

RLEF STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL CALENDAR AND SPORTACCORD

14th February 2014The Rugby League European Federation Board of Directors has met for the first time in 2014 to discuss some of the key issues facing the federation following the successful 2013 Rugby League World Cup. Following the meeting, the Board issued the following statement:

“The RLEF is keen for the RL International Federation to conclude its deliberations on the international calendar so that we can implement our own for the northern hemisphere. Furthermore, the RLEF supports the RLIF’s application for SportAccord membership this year. It is imperative for many of our members that rugby league is recognised and bolsters its international legitimacy. In many cases, government recognition and funding depends on SportAccord recognition and it is only right and proper that rugby league assumes its position alongside other major global sports.”

GreeceThe Directors also accepted the Hellenic Federation of Rugby League as an Affiliate Member of the RLEF. HFRL president Tasos Pantazidis commented: “This decision for the Greek Rugby League is a vindication of toil, effort and successful development. This recognition is certainly not the end, but the launch of more intensive efforts. Achieving rugby league’s prevalence as a sport in Greece and in Europe is a common goal which can only be achieved if we work collectively and with a visionary plan. This is the objective we will serve from now on.”

New RLEF DirectorNew Independent Director Paul Nicholson, appointed in late December following a four-month recruitment process, attended his first meeting. Paul has extensive experience in media, events, sponsorship and television, including production and rights sales, and is now a media owner and consultant. He has worked extensively with governing bodies, including FIFA, as well as leading commercial sports agencies worldwide. He is the Chief Executive Officer of InsideWorldFootball.

"It is an honour to be given the opportunity to contribute to rugby league in Europe,” he said. “We are a proud, passionate and inclusive sport with a huge amount to offer. The RLEF has serious ambition for the sport in terms of development on the pitch and commercially off it. There is a lot to be done and some obvious challenges ahead. I am looking forward to picking up on the work already undertaken and to help to drive RLEF forward. This is an important time for our growth and to build on the platform provided by success of the World Cup."

Giorgin Shyti has been awarded the Player of the Year trophy by the Hellenic Federation of Rugby League at a ceremony in Athens to commemorate the completion of their inaugural domestic season.Over 100 guests were present together with the Deputy Mayor for Sports for the municipality of Nikaea-Rendis (Pireaus), Mr Nikolakis and club presidents.

Those domestic players who took part in the ground-breaking international win over Hungary - Iordanis Bilikaidis, Giorgin Shyti, George-James Stilianos, Kostantinos Lambrakis, Panagiotis Karefilis, Dimitrios Minadakis, Ioannis Nake and Mihalis Chatziioannou – were given special presentations.

HFRL President Tasos Pantazidis outlined planned growth for the competition for the next two years which will see an expansion to the domestic championship and a development programme for junior and youth players. The board of Directors of the Federation made the following awards:

Player of the Year 2013: Giorgin Shyti Team spirit: George-James StilianosCoach of the Year: Matthew–Alan AshillReferee of the Year: Konstantinos FytasPlayer most improved: Konstantinos AsprogerakasAward for the decisive contibution to the establishment of the Hellenic Rugby League: Anastasios PantazidisChampions 2013: Promitheas Rendi9s Cup winners: Rhodes Knightshttp://www.rlwc2013.com/rugby-league-world-news/article/1482/greek-rugby-league-hold-awards

GREEK RUGBY LEAGUE HOLD AWARDS NIGHT

30th January 2014Giorgin Shyti has been awarded the Player of the Year trophy by the Hellenic Federation of Rugby League at a ceremony in Athens to commemorate the completion of their inaugural domestic season. Over 100 guests were present together with the Deputy Mayor for Sports for the municipality of Nikaea-Rendis (Pireaus), Mr Nikolakis and club presidents.Those domestic players who took part in the ground-breaking international win over Hungary - Iordanis Bilikaidis, Giorgin Shyti, George-James Stilianos, Kostantinos Lambrakis, Panagiotis Karefilis, Dimitrios Minadakis, Ioannis Nake and Mihalis Chatziioannou – were given special presentations.HFRL President Tasos Pantazidis outlined planned growth for the competition for the next two years which will see an expansion to the domestic championship and a development programme for junior and youth players. The board of Directors of the Federation made the following awards:Player of the Year 2013: Giorgin ShytiTeam spirit: George-James StilianosCoach of the Year: Matthew–Alan AshillReferee of the Year: Konstantinos FytasPlayer most improved: Konstantinos AsprogerakasAward for the decisive contibution to the establishment of the Hellenic Rugby League: Anastasios PantazidisChampions 2013: Promitheas Rendi9’s Cup winners: Rhodes Knightshttp://www.rlef.eu.com/news/article/733/greek-rugby-league-hold-awards

Georgallis joins Manly as Toovey's No.2

Steve Georgallis will replace Brad Arthur as the Manly assistant coach for the 2014 NRL season.Georgallis, who served a similar role with Wests Tigers in 2012, having worked previously with Penrith, where he served as caretaker coach at the end of the 2011 season, takes over from Arthur after his appointment at Parramatta last month."In the end it was a pretty easy decision to make," Georgallis said."I'm just really happy to be here and to be able to work with Geoff Toovey, David Penna and all the other trainers and staff."The team itself has a great culture, they're a tough team. I'm really looking forward to working with the players and trying to get the best out of them to hopefully go one better next year."Toovey welcomed Georgallis to the club and believes Manly have made the right decision to ensure they stay at the top of the NRL in 2014."Steve comes with a wealth of experience, both as a player and coach, and we're excited to have him on board," Toovey said."To stay at the top in the NRL, you've got to be thinking ahead and constantly freshening things up and we definitely feel that this is something Steve can bring to our set-up."http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/news/article/-/19832569/georgallis-joins-manly-as-tooveys-no-2/

Hungary and Greece start on path to 2017 World Cup

As the 2013 World Cup gets underway in the UK, Hungary and Greece will make their test match debuts with an eye on qualifying for the 2017 tournament.The clash will take place in Margit-sziget, an entertainment and leisure park in the middle of Budapest, with Hungary very much the underdogs against a Greek team that includesBraith Anasta and Michael Korkidas.Hungarian Olympic Committee official György Nébald, a former Olympic champion, who professed his happiness that Hungary was now a rugby league country. He said: "The sport is rapidly increasing in its popularity in the world and has finally reached Hungary as well, therefore is worth supporting by the government."Coach Balint Mezes has stepped up preparation recently with midweek training in Budapest open to all players irrespective of club affiliation, while the HRLF has also taken sessions to outside the capital to reach players from the Vác and Székesfehérvár clubs. This week the squad is training daily.Mezes said: "Our team is made ​​up of enthusiastic amateurs who are training three or four times a week, as well as two Hungarian players from Australia and France. We know that the Greek team is extremely strong but we can promise a good match for the fans."Both Greek and Hungarian sides will participate in a joint training session on Saturday to publicise the match and in a show of unity and solidarity in spreading rugby league in Europe.Hellenic Federation of Rugby League president Tasos Pantazidis said, "We are very excited about our first official international match. "The Hungarians and Greeks will have the chance to experience an event that can light the fire in both countries. We are also very glad because some of our Australian-born brothers are here with us, delivering their experience. We wish the best for both federations and we look forward to further expansion on our continent."

Wednesday 30 October 2013 9:15 AMBy Terry Liberopoulosat Mac Stadium, BudapestWests Tigers' Braith Anasta showed why he is a quality player after he led Greece to a 90-0 whitewash over Hungary at Budapest on Sunday.Anasta piled on 46 points for the Greeks, who included eight players from the Greek Rugby League domestic competition. He scored four tries and kicked 15 goals from as many attempts, many of them wide out."I was really nervous before the game. I talked to my mum and brother before the game and I was emotional," said Anasta."To play for Greece was a proud moment for me, for my dad and grandparents. It was the first time I was in Greece and I loved it."Greece took just three minutes of play to open their account when Sebastian Sell scored after a backline movement.It was 12-0 after 10 minutes of play after Kristian Aroutsidis scored wide out. Anasta kicked the conversion from the sideline.Terry Constantine scored two tries in three minutes, Mitchell Zampetides scored a brace and Anasta went over for his first of his four pointers as Greece established a 42-0 lead at half-time.Anasta scored two quick tries early in the second half before Nake Ioannis, one of the eight players chosen from Greek domestic competition, burrowed over from dummy half to score in the 52nd minute. Anasta added the extras and Greece were cruising at 60-0.Adam Bouris added two tries while Terry Conastantinou crossed for his third try of the game.Sell scored in the 73rd minute and it was fitting that Anasta finished the scoring when he latched onto an intercept to score with two minutes remaining.The positive to come out of the game was the way the local Greek players performed."The European and International Federation need to put resources into countries like Greece and Hungary," said Anasta."The passion for the game in Greece was incredible. They want to play Rugby League and we need to help them."Greece 90 (Braith Anasta 4, Terry Constantinou 3, Mitchell Zampatides 2, Sebastian Sell 2, Adam Boris 2, Nake Ioannis , Kristian Aroutsidis tries; Anasta 15 goals) d. Hungary 0 at Mac Stadium, Budaprest, Hungary.Referee: Radoslav Novakovic. Half-time: Greece 42-0. Crowd: 1013

Hungary and Greece start on path to 2017 World Cup

25 Oct 2013As the 2013 World Cup gets underway in the UK, Hungary and Greece will make their test match debuts with an eye on qualifying for the 2017 tournament.The clash will take place in Margit-sziget, an entertainment and leisure park in the middle of Budapest, with Hungary very much the underdogs against a Greek team that includes Braith Anasta and Michael Korkidas.Hungarian Olympic Committee official György Nébald, a former Olympic champion, who professed his happiness that Hungary was now a rugby league country. He said: "The sport is rapidly increasing in its popularity in the world and has finally reached Hungary as well, therefore is worth supporting by the government."Coach Balint Mezes has stepped up preparation recently with midweek training in Budapest open to all players irrespective of club affiliation, while the HRLF has also taken sessions to outside the capital to reach players from the Vác and Székesfehérvár clubs. This week the squad is training daily.Mezes said: "Our team is made ​​up of enthusiastic amateurs who are training three or four times a week, as well as two Hungarian players from Australia and France. We know that the Greek team is extremely strong but we can promise a good match for the fans."Both Greek and Hungarian sides will participate in a joint training session on Saturday to publicise the match and in a show of unity and solidarity in spreading rugby league in Europe.Hellenic Federation of Rugby League president Tasos Pantazidis said, "We are very excited about our first official international match. "The Hungarians and Greeks will have the chance to experience an event that can light the fire in both countries. We are also very glad because some of our Australian-born brothers are here with us, delivering their experience. We wish the best for both federations and we look forward to further expansion on our continent."http://www.loverugbyleague.com/news_13630-hungary-and-greece-start-on-path-to-2017-world-cup.html?fb_action_ids=10202479547534132&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%2210202479547534132%22%3A648603621827483%7D&action_type_map=%7B%2210202479547534132%22%3A%22og.likes%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D